Care of the bulbous plant Pancratium maritimum or Sea daffodil |
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The genus Pancratium, family Amaryllidaceae, includes about 20 species of bulbous plants native to Eurasia and Africa. Some species are: Pancratium maritimum, Pancratium canariense, Pancratium ilyricum, Pancratium zeylanicum, Pancratium maximum, Pancratium parvum. Common names: Sea daffodil, Sea Pancratium. This species is native to the Mediterranean region. They are perennial bulbous plants with elongated bulb that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height. The leaves are linear and bluish-green in color; if the summer is very hot the leaves dry out. The attractive white flowers produce scent at night. They bloom in summer. They are used in rockeries, in mixed borders, on dry sandy slopes, to create clumps on lawns and in pots for terraces, patias and balconies. Pancratium maritimum needs full sun exposure and warm weather. The soil can be a mixture, in equal parts, of coarse sand, normal garden soil, and leaf mulch; they grow in sandy, poor or calcareous soils. The bulbs are planted in autumn at a depth of 30 cm (11.8"). It is advisable to leave the plants in the same location for 4 years to achieve good blooms. Water regularly in spring and summer waiting for the substrate to have dried; reduce watering after flowering and do not water in winter. In regions with danger of frost, remove the bulbs and store them in a dry and dark place. Fertilize with mineral fertilizer every 20 days in summer. They do not need pruning but dry leaves can be removed. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated in autumn by division of the bulbs. |
Images of the bulbous plant Pancratium maritimum or Sea daffodil |
 Pancratium  Pancratium canariense |